MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series)
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MacBook Pro (M2 series)
Starting at
£724.85£1,349.00 new
MacBook Pro (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,950.44What's the difference between the MacBook Pro (M2 series) and MacBook Pro (M5 series)?
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M2 series) starts at £724.85, £1225.59 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series). The MacBook Pro (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 16 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 14 inch.
- The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has a lighter build: 1550 g vs 2150 g.
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) specs
The MacBook Pro M2 series and M5 series each offer distinct strengths for different users. The M2 series provides a larger 16 inch screen with a higher resolution and brighter peak display, paired with a more powerful 38-core GPU and 32 GB of RAM, making it suited for users who prioritise graphics performance and multitasking with more memory. The M5 series has a smaller 14 inch screen with IPS technology and a lighter weight, appealing to those who value portability and colour accuracy. Storage options differ too, with the M2 series offering up to 8TB while the M5 series starts at 512 GB and goes to 2TB.
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) price
Colour
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) battery life and software updates
Both MacBook Pro M2 and M5 series share similar performance here, which means you can expect consistent software updates and repair ease.
Software Updates
This means you get the same maximum operating system version on either device, ensuring access to current features and security patches.
Repairability
This benefits users who prefer to maintain their device over time rather than replace it frequently.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) performance
Performance differences mainly arise from graphics power, RAM, and storage capacity. These factors influence how well each MacBook Pro handles demanding tasks and multitasking.
Graphics Capability
The MacBook Pro M2 series features a 38-core GPU, which suits users needing substantial graphics power for tasks like video editing or 3D work. The M5 series has a 10-core GPU, fitting for everyday graphics needs and efficient performance.
Memory for Multitasking
With 32 GB of RAM, the M2 series is ideal for users who run many applications simultaneously or use intensive software. The M5 series offers 16 GB of RAM, which supports smooth operation of typical workflows and software.
Storage Options
The M2 series is stocked in various capacities from 256 GB up to 8 TB, making it suitable for extensive file storage and large projects. The M5 series is stocked in 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB sizes, which fits users who need solid storage without the highest capacity options.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) screen
Screen quality impacts your experience with visuals and workspace size. Differences in size, resolution, and display technology offer choices depending on your priorities.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Pro M2 series offers a 16 inch screen with a 3456 x 2234 resolution, providing a larger and sharper workspace. This suits users who prefer more screen real estate for multitasking or detailed work. The M5 series has a 14 inch screen at 3024 x 1964 resolution, offering a more compact but still high-quality display.
IPS Display
The M5 series includes IPS technology, which benefits those seeking consistent colour accuracy and wider viewing angles, ideal for creative work or sharing your screen. The M2 series does not have IPS but uses a Liquid Retina XDR display, focusing on brightness and contrast.
Brightness Levels
The M2 series screen reaches up to 1000 nits sustained brightness with a peak of 1600 nits, which is helpful in bright environments or when viewing HDR content. The M5 series screen provides 1000 nits brightness, suitable for most lighting conditions.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) camera
Audio and video features affect your experience with calls, media, and content creation. Both MacBook Pro series offer high-quality options with some distinctions in speaker setup.
Front Camera Quality
Both MacBook Pro M2 and M5 series have a 1080p front camera, delivering clear video for calls and recordings. This resolution supports high-definition video conferencing.
Speaker Systems
The M2 series comes with a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system including force-cancelling woofers, designed for rich and immersive audio. The M5 series has six speakers, which provide balanced sound quality suitable for music and videos.
Front camera definition
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) size and design
Additional features include connectivity, weight, and input options that influence daily convenience and portability.
Portability
At 1550 g, the MacBook Pro M5 series is lighter and easier to carry, fitting users who often travel or move around with their laptop. The M2 series weighs 2150 g, providing a more substantial feel that some may prefer for stability.
Card Slot Compatibility
The M2 series supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, making it versatile for various memory card types. The M5 series supports SDXC cards, which covers the latest standard for high-capacity cards.
Charging and Connectivity
Both devices use MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C chargers and have three USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. This ensures fast data transfer and flexible charging options on either MacBook Pro.
Wireless and Audio Ports
Both models feature Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for wireless connectivity, along with HDMI output and a jack plug for audio. These features support a variety of peripherals and networks.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Pro (M2 series) or MacBook Pro (M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Pro (M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £724.85, £1225.59 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series)
- you want more RAM (32 GB vs 16 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (16 inch vs 14 inch)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M5 series) if
- you want a lighter build (1550 g vs 2150 g)
- you want the newer model (2025)
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) FAQs
MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 16 GB. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 14 inch.
The MacBook Pro (M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £724.85 compared with £1950.44 for the MacBook Pro (M5 series).
The MacBook Pro (M5 series) adds a lighter build (1550 g vs 2150 g). Refurbished, it costs £1225.59 more (from £1950.44 vs £724.85).
Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M2 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 8TB, and the MacBook Pro (M5 series) in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
